School Terms and Holidays for 2026 in Australia

· school terms and holidays for 2026

Planning School Terms and Holidays for 2026

As families across Australia look ahead to 2026, understanding school terms and holidays is key for booking family travel, organising childcare, and making the most of downtime. School calendars vary by state and territory, so this guide provides projected dates based on historical patterns from previous years. Important: These are estimates only. Families must verify exact dates with their state or territory education department websites, as official calendars are typically released 12-18 months in advance.

The Australian school year generally follows a four-term structure, with holidays between terms and a long summer break. Public holidays like Australia Day, Easter, and Anzac Day can create extra long weekends. With school terms and holidays for 2026 shaping family schedules, early planning helps avoid peak crowds and higher prices.

General Structure of the 2026 School Year

Most states run four terms of about 10 weeks each:

  • Term 1: Late January/early February to mid-April (includes Easter holidays in some states).
  • Autumn holidays: 1-2 weeks in late April.
  • Term 2: Late April/early May to early July.
  • Winter holidays: 2 weeks in late June/early July.
  • Term 3: Mid-July to mid-September.
  • Spring holidays: 2 weeks in late September.
  • Term 4: Late September/early October to mid-December.
  • Summer holidays: Mid-December to late January 2027.

Non-government schools may vary slightly. Student-free days (for teacher training) often precede terms—check locally.

Projected Term Dates by State and Territory for 2026

Here’s a state-by-state projection. Always cross-check official sources like education.nsw.gov.au or equivalent.

New South Wales (NSW)

Term 1: 28 Jan - 10 Apr Autumn: 13-27 Apr Term 2: 28 Apr - 3 Jul Winter: 4-18 Jul Term 3: 20 Jul - 25 Sep Spring: 28 Sep - 9 Oct Term 4: 12 Oct - 18 Dec

NSW often aligns with ACT. Popular holiday spots like the Central Coast fill up fast.

Victoria (VIC)

Term 1: 27 Jan - 2 Apr (public holiday 26 Jan) Autumn: 3 Apr - 20 Apr (extended for Easter) Term 2: 21 Apr - 3 Jul Winter: 4-18 Jul Term 3: 20 Jul - 18 Sep Spring: 21 Sep - 5 Oct Term 4: 6 Oct - 18 Dec

Melbourne families plan Great Ocean Road trips during breaks.

Queensland (QLD)

Term 1: 27 Jan - 3 Apr Autumn: 6-24 Apr (Easter influence) Term 2: 27 Apr - 26 Jun Winter: 29 Jun - 13 Jul Term 3: 14 Jul - 4 Sep Spring: 7-21 Sep Term 4: 22 Sep - 11 Dec

South-East QLD sees crowds at Gold Coast theme parks.

Western Australia (WA)

Term 1: 28 Jan - 3 Apr Autumn: 7 Apr - 24 Apr Term 2: 27 Apr - 3 Jul Winter: 6-20 Jul Term 3: 21 Jul - 25 Sep Spring: 28 Sep - 12 Oct Term 4: 13 Oct - 3 Dec (early finish common)

Perth locals head to Margaret River for holidays.

South Australia (SA)

Term 1: 27 Jan - 9 Apr Autumn: 13 Apr - 27 Apr Term 2: 28 Apr - 5 Jul Winter: 6-20 Jul Term 3: 21 Jul - 18 Sep Spring: 21 Sep - 5 Oct Term 4: 6 Oct - 10 Dec

Adelaide’s Barossa Valley is ideal for spring breaks.

Tasmania (TAS)

Term 1: 27 Jan - 27 Mar (early Easter shift possible) Autumn: 30 Mar - 13 Apr Term 2: 14 Apr - 26 Jun Winter: 29 Jun - 13 Jul Term 3: 14 Jul - 4 Sep Spring: 7-21 Sep Term 4: 22 Sep - 16 Dec

Cradle Mountain draws families in winter.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Aligns closely with NSW: Term 1: 28 Jan - 10 Apr Autumn: 13-27 Apr Term 2: 28 Apr - 3 Jul Winter: 4-18 Jul Term 3: 20 Jul - 25 Sep Spring: 28 Sep - 9 Oct Term 4: 12 Oct - 18 Dec

Northern Territory (NT)

Term 1: 28 Jan - 2 Apr Autumn: 6-24 Apr Term 2: 27 Apr - 3 Jul Winter: 6-20 Jul Term 3: 20 Jul - 18 Sep Spring: 21 Sep - 5 Oct Term 4: 6 Oct - 4 Dec

Kakadu National Park peaks in dry season holidays.

Key Public Holidays Impacting 2026 School Breaks

  • Australia Day: 26 Jan (Term 1 start)
  • Good Friday/Easter: 3-6 Apr (Term 1 end)
  • Anzac Day: 25 Apr (start of holidays)
  • King’s Birthday: Varies (Jun/Jul in most states)
  • AFL Grand Final (VIC): Oct long weekend possible
  • Melbourne Cup (VIC): 3 Nov
  • Christmas: 25-26 Dec (summer break)

These create ideal long weekends for short trips.

Family Travel Tips for 2026 School Holidays

Summer Break (Dec 2026-Jan 2027)

Book flights early for Bali, domestic spots like Byron Bay or Uluru. Avoid peak Jan 10-20.

Autumn and Spring (2 weeks each)

Mid-range travel: Drive to national parks or coastal stays. QLD’s Fraser Island is family-friendly.

Winter Holidays

Snow trips to Thredbo (NSW) or Falls Creek (VIC). Budget for ski passes.

Practical Advice:

  • Use school holiday calendars apps like SchoolMyKids.
  • Book accommodations 6 months ahead via Booking.com or Airbnb.
  • Consider school holiday programs via local councils for working parents.
  • Road trips save money—plan via RACV or NRMA apps.
  • Pack for variable weather; check BOM.gov.au forecasts.

Staying Updated on School Terms and Holidays

Official 2026 calendars will be published by mid-2025. Subscribe to newsletters:

  • NSW: education.nsw.gov.au
  • VIC: education.vic.gov.au
  • QLD: qld.gov.au/education
  • Others via state education sites.

Join Facebook groups like ‘Australian School Holidays’ for parent tips. With terms starting late Jan, now’s time to draft your calendar.

This guide equips families to plan confidently for school terms and holidays for 2026. Safe travels!

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